Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Former Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins shows his bond with Zach Sieler before leaving town

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Craig Smith | Last updated 3/27/24

Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler were a dynamic duo on the field for the Miami Dolphins. Miami's starting defense linemen spent years in the trenches alongside each other, fighting side by side to help the Dolphins morph from one of the league's worst teams into a playoff one.

As such, the duo created a strong bond over their four-plus years playing together in South Florida. That was put on display by Sieler's wife, Hannah, on Instagram on Tuesday. Wilkins stopped by to say goodbye to Sieler, Hannah, and their infant son before heading to Las Vegas.

Christian Wilkins dropped in to see Zach and Hannah Sieler and their newborn son. Congratulations to the Sieler family! #GoFins pic.twitter.com/DSGWHdP7RS
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) March 27, 2024

Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this month, a figure the Dolphins had no realistic chance - a s per Mike McDaniel's comments on Monday - of matching. Extension talks between Wilkins and the Dolphins dated back to the 2023 offseason, but the two sides never could make it work out.

Sieler, who was signed by the Dolphins in December 2019 after he was waived by the Ravens, was extended in August 2023, signing a three-year, $30.75 million extension with the team. However, to Wilkins' credit, he never let Sieler getting paid get in the way of his play, as he generated a career high 9 sacks while starting all 17 games and the Wild Card round game for the Dolphins. As Chris Grier said, Wilkins bet on himself and won.

And now, the duo who've spent parts of the last five seasons together go their separate ways. Such is the nature of the business. But it's clear that their friendship isn't going anywhere.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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